Poison Ivy | T. Riddle ✔

[26] The Illegitimate Heir

Things weren't going on so well at the Malfoy Manor. Abraxas had been dispatched to St Mungo's to immediately find capable Healers and bring them with him. Aquila was thoroughly anxious both for her cousin as well as her child. She had written a letter to Belvina informing her that the time had come and she should come to the Manor as soon as possible.

While Demelza was on the brink of giving up; unable to cope with the excruciating pain she was undergoing. It was worse than a thousand knives stabbing her from the inside and all she wanted was for it to end, even if it meant her dying in the process.

In such a catastrophic situation, the only soul who seemed unaffected by all the clamor was little Lucius. The child was as usual playing in his nursery, turning a deaf ear to the world, focused only on his miniature gold Quidditch supplies.

He only knew that very soon he would have a playmate. And he was quite impatient to show off all his toys to the little cousin his mother had told him about. The idea of having another child like him was quite intriguing to Lucius since he found himself easily bored by the house elves' company. 

As he swished the golden broomstick making sound effects himself, he wondered whether he would have to share his stuff as well. And just like that, all of a sudden the notion of having a playmate didn't seem so inviting to him anymore.

On the other hand, Belvina left for the Manor soon as she received the letter. Using Floo network, she appeared in the living room to be met by an equally troubled Aquila. "Aunt Belvina, thank goodness you're here!"

She led her to Demelza's room where the Healers were trying their best to sustain her. Belvina's heart churned at the state of her daughter, her eyes watering at the thought of all the pain Demelza was going through.

A while passed in such dreadful wait, after which the door opened and a Healer came out carrying a tiny bundle in her arms. "Congratulations, you've been blessed with a baby boy," she handed over the wrapped up child to Belvina.

"And Demi, how is she?" 

"She will be fine, we have given her some potions which will help her get some rest," the woman tapped her hand reassuringly, "it's nothing to worry about. Not anymore."

Belvina breathed in relief and very nearly collapsed on a nearby chair. Aquila was still conversing with the Healer, probably asking more about her cousin's health. However, Belvina's eyes were focused on the child. 

She was reminded of the day Perseus was born, for she had never seen such a frail and delicate baby except for Perseus before. And as she held the newborn in her arms she could very clearly see the resemblance the baby had to his mother.

The same wide forehead, slightly arched eyebrows and straight edged nose which made the child almost look like a smaller version of Demelza herself. However, she could notice the traits he had inherited from his father too. 

Like Tom Riddle, the boy had a slightly thinner face and a well sculpted mouth. She knew it was too early to guess for sure who the child would resemble most but she was certain that the baby had taken the good parts from both his parents.

"He will grow up to be a handsome young man," Aquila remarked as she saw the child for the first time. Now that the Healers had assured her that Demelza was going to be perfectly alright, she was much relieved than before.

The baby stirred and his eyes fluttered open. Cold grey peeked right through the tiny irises, for the child had inherited his father's eyes. Aquila drew back a little, out of instinct, since those were the eyes of the man who struck fear in her and her husband, eyes which were exactly alike to those of the Dark Lord; the one person she feared more than Death itself. Because she was quite aware of what Tom Riddle was capable of and even though she had not the guts to tell the truth to Belvina, still she wished that her cousin and the baby remained safe and far away from him.

Belvina gently kissed the dainty hand, smiling at her first grandchild. Even though the circumstances were not what she had expected still she was holding her daughter's firstborn and it was quite natural for her heart to fill with happiness.

"Have you thought of a name?" she asked as she managed to recover from the shock and composed herself.

"Of course. Demi and I agreed to the most fitting name for our little angel," the smile didn't leave her pristine features as she looked up at Aquila, "he shall be named Eridanus Riddle."

***